FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15^th, 2012

Paulsen Statement on U.S.–Colombia Trade Agreement Entry into Force

Bringing Increased Trade Opportunity, Growth, and U.S. Job Creation

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entering into force today. With the implementation of the trade agreement, over 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Colombia are now duty-free.

“Today’s announcement is great news for American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and service providers. As it stood, average Colombian tariffs on U.S. exports ranged from 7.4 to 14.6 percent. This agreement levels the playing field for American workers, increasing our market access so American companies can compete fairly and grow jobs here at home. With the potential to increase U.S. exports by $1.1 billion and increase U.S. GDP by $2.5 billion, this agreement shows the world we are serious about pursuing a robust trade agenda. I applaud the bipartisan work done to ensure the passage of this agreement, and look forward to the swift implementation of the Panama trade agreement as well.”                         

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. He is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus and the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Working Group.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, and for past segments of Erik's Correspondence Corner, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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